Güdel, Inc. Releases White Paper on Machine Tending Applications

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN. A new white paper from Güdel serves as a “Design Guide for Automated Machine Tending Applications.” It is written for systems integrators, manufacturing engineers and plant managers involved in the loading and unloading of machine tools, forming, processing and molding machines.

“This white paper is very clear on how to identify and prioritize technical and financial considerations for automated machine loading and unloading,” said Joe Campbell, Vice President, Güdel. “It covers benefits of flexible machine tending and goes through the entire spectrum of automation choices.”

As noted by the Robotic Industries Association, demand for material handling (such as tending) accounts for the largest share of robot orders (33-percent for the first quarter of 2015). Among the considerations for automated machine loading and unloading...

Production run volume

Part handling speed

Uptime and efficiency

Size and weight of parts

Secondary operations

Increased throughput is a popular reason to automate machine tending. Other goals may be to boost system uptime, improve process flow and optimize floor space. Ergonomics and safety are more reasons to automate.

“Whatever the justification for automated loading and unloading, this white paper helps to identify alternative automation strategies,” said Campbell. “It (the paper) offers tips and information to help optimize the investment in machine tending automation.”

For instance, it may be nice (or seem necessary) to have one fixed robot per station but an overhead linear gantry robot can service multiple stations. This controls costs in terms of capital expenditure, programming and maintenance. In large, non-linear work areas, a 5- or 6-axis robot can be mounted on an overhead area gantry to cost effectively reach complex geometry.

The white paper goes into thorough detail on choices to make with hard automation, linear motion and robotics for machine tending. Güdel engineers are available for help during all stages of implementation, from gearbox sizing and module selection to service and spare parts.